CHRISTMAS 2008

Christmas 2008 was wonderful. Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend it with any of our family, but we were certainly thinking about all of them spread across the country. The three of us started out our celebrating on Christmas Eve. Marc built a fire and we started making goodies to nibble on throughout the day. Of course we had to take pictures. These two were taken in the afternoon in front of the fireplace.



Early in the evening, one of our neighbors, Gerry Kane, stopped by with a gift for Luke from him and his wife Marlene - very sweet and thoughtful. Here he is playing with his first present.



Later in the evening, we had a couple of friends come over - Mark Wood and Carl & Heidi Filter. It was so nice to start the holiday with wonderful friends.

After Luke was "nestled all snug in his bed with visions of sugarplums dancing in his head," Santa came and set up all the treasures he had for a good little boy.



On Christmas morning, Luke was pretty excited when he saw a familiar toy. The Animal Train was a toy he had played with at Grandma and Grandpa's. Santa must have been paying close attention when he was finalizing Luke's list.




He also got an activity table, which plays music, counts,and says the ABC's (both in English and Spanish). He seemed to really enjoy pushing, turning, and sliding all the parts.



The other big item that Santa brought was a table and two chairs that Luke could use for Arts & Crafts. On the table was also some toddler crayons and markers, a drawing pad, and two coloring books. He loves being able to crawl up in the chair all by himself. Someday, if Mommy ever gets her s--t together, the table might get painted in some fun funky colors.



Luke had a big surprise for Daddy, and was so excited to give him his present. When we all went to the UVA vs Maryland football game back in October, Luke got the crowd around us all fired up by doing his "Touchdown" gesture. Mommy was able to catch it on film, and Daddy talks about the moment and photo all the time. So for Christmas, Mommy took the infamous photo and did it in "Paper-Tole" fashion, which makes the photo look 3-D by layering different elements. Needless to say, Daddy LOVED it!! I think he even got a little teary-eyed.



After opening all the presents and having breakfast, we enjoyed the rest of the morning just playing. Mommy decided to torture Luke a little (for her own enjoyment) by putting a piece of tape on his forehead. He could feel something, but kept touching the top of his head and looking up to see if he could see it. It was quite hilarious and went on for about 1/2 an hour. Eventually, I took the tape off. Then, Luke showed Daddy all the interesting parts that came with his Mr. Potato Head. Of course, they all had to go in his mouth first.




Christmas morning was a hit!


In the early afternoon, after a nap of course, we headed over to Bob & Arlinda Kesock's for Christmas dinner. When we got there, Luke had more presents to open. Bob and Arlinda got him a Tow Truck that vibrates when you pull out the tow rope - a big hit. Jon and Marcia Sayre gave him a toy that Jon hand-made. It was an old-fashioned type wooden Duck with wheels with rubber feet attached, that when you push it with the attached stick, it looks like it is walking - very cute.



Along with Jon & Marcia, Arlinda's son Randy and his fiance Sonya were also there. At around 3:30 we all sat down to enjoy the delicious dinner that Arlinda had prepared. Of course, we all ate way too much. After dinner, we all went downstairs and played the Scene-It Seinfeld Edition game that I had gotten Marc for Christmas. Through out the rest of the afternoon and evening, more friends started to trickle in - the Filters, the Kanes, and the Tismans. We eventually headed home around 9:00. Our little man was exhausted from such an incredible day. We want to thank all of friends that shared the holiday with us, it meant a lot.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!